Six Tips for the Teeth Whitening Process
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As we head into the new year, one of your resolutions might be to do more things that make you smile. But when you show that gorgeous smile, you don’t want to feel self-conscious trying to hide yellowed teeth. Getting your teeth whitened can be a great way to up your confidence and make sure your smile will dazzle everyone in the room.
Teeth whitening is a very safe process, especially when you get it done by your dentist, but there are a few things you’ll need to know to make it most effective. Read on to discover some of our best tips for the teeth whitening process and how you can get your most beautiful smile ever.
1. Avoid Dark Beverages
One of the most important things for you to do after the teeth whitening process is to avoid dark beverages. As much as you may love your morning cup of coffee or evening glass of wine, those food contain tannins and dyes that can stain your newly whitened teeth. It’s best to avoid these foods for the first few days after your whitening treatment.
If you usually have a cup of coffee in the morning, consider swapping that out for green tea. Instead of white wine, try out some different varietals of white wine or some rum- or vodka-based drinks. But most of all, plan to drink plenty of water during the few days after your teeth whitening process.
2. Use Sensitivity Products
Oftentimes, people may experience tooth sensitivity in the few days following their teeth whitening procedure. You may find that hot or cold food or drinks make your teeth and jaws ache. This is because the whitening process can strip away some of the coating that protects your nerves from these temperature changes.
It’s a good idea to pick up some sensitivity products to use after your teeth whitening procedures. You can find toothpastes and gels designed to help with tooth pain and sensitivity. If you’re using teeth whitening strips at home, try to keep the strips off your gums to reduce sensitivity afterward.
3. Avoid Chewy Foods
You might be surprised to learn that you need to avoid chewy foods for the first few days after your tooth whitening procedure. Although there isn’t anything to pull out or get stuck on, your teeth will still be a little “raw” the first couple of days after your treatment. They may absorb more from your food than usual, which can impact the effectiveness of your whitening.
Chewy foods can stick to your teeth and may be hard to get off, even with regular brushing. Those stuck areas could absorb into your teeth and cause uneven staining. Instead, stick to clear or light-colored foods that are easy to brush off your teeth, such as broth-based soups, salads, fresh fruits and vegetables, and lean meats.
4. Be Gentle When Brushing
Brushing your teeth thoroughly is important the first few days after a tooth whitening treatment. You want to make sure nothing sticks around on your teeth and causes stains. However, you also need to be gentle with your teeth while they’re getting back to normal after a tooth whitening session.
Tooth whitening treatments strip off some of the protective coating your teeth usually have. This means that brushing too hard could actually begin to scrub away some of your tooth enamel. You also want to be gentle with sensitive teeth and avoid scrubbing off any of the whitening agent that’s meant to stick around.
5. Take Time Between Treatments
Once you decide to get your teeth whitened, you’ll want to see results as quickly as possible. The whitening process can be a slow one, and you may be tempted to jam in as many sessions as possible in a short amount of time. But while this may get you faster results, it won’t be worth the problems it will cause.
Setting too many whitening appointments too close together can worsen any sensitivity issues you may be having. In some cases, you could even start to wear the enamel on your teeth down, which could leave you in enormous danger of cavities and tooth loss. Be patient with the process and give your mouth time to recover before your next appointment.
6. Check in with Your Dentist
Throughout the teeth whitening process, it’s a good idea to check in with your dentist from time to time. Ideally, you should be going to your dentist to get the whitening treatments done. This is especially important if you're using a teeth whitening kit at home.
Your dentist will need to keep a close eye on your teeth during this process and make sure they’re staying in good shape. They may be able to increase the pace of your whitening sessions if things are going well. But they can also let you know if you need to slow down to give your mouth more time to recover between sessions.
Learn More About Teeth Whitening
The teeth whitening process can be an exciting one as you take each step closer to your ideal smile. But it’s important to care for your mouth the right way during the days following your whitening appointment. Avoid dark beverages and chewy foods, be gentle with your teeth, and be sure to check in with your dentist to monitor your tooth health.
If you’d like to learn more about the teeth whitening process, check out the rest of our site at Eden Dental Aesthetics. We believe that when you feel that you are presenting the best version of yourself to the world, you take better care of yourself. Contact us today and discover how we see teeth differently.